Last Updated:
Apple has taken a tough stance on the order to preload Sanchar Saathi app in all smartphones and has clearly said that it will not do so. The company says that forcibly adding apps can become a threat to the privacy and security of iPhone users.
New Delhi. Amidst the ongoing debate on the privacy of smartphone users, the leading tech company (Apple) has taken such a step which has created a stir in the tech world. The government wants that every new smartphone, be it iPhone or budget Android, should come preloaded with a special government app Sanchar Saathi. But Apple has clearly indicated that it will not follow this order. The company says that forcibly preloading any government app in the phone can become a threat to the privacy and security of the user.
The government wants that this app should already be present in new phones and it should be sent to old phones also through software update. Not only this, users may not even be able to delete this app. However, this move has sparked a debate about surveillance in the country. Opposition parties and privacy activists said that this could be an indirect way of keeping an eye on 73 crore smartphone users.
against global policy
According to Reuters, sources close to Apple said that the company does not preload government apps on phones in any country. This may weaken the security and privacy model of iOS. The company says that this is against their global policy and can create serious vulnerabilities in the system.
Apple will not go to court
Sources also said that Apple will not go to court, but will formally tell the government that it is not able to accept this order. On the other hand, other brands like Samsung are also reviewing this decision.
This issue is yet to be discussed between the government and Apple
The Telecom Ministry argues that Sanchar Saathi will stop the sale of stolen phones, duplicate IMEI and blacklisted devices. Considering the large second-hand mobile market in India, the government is calling this a necessary step for cyber security. At present, this issue is yet to be discussed between the government and Apple, but it is clear that this decision can have a big impact on the tech industry, privacy and user control.
